COIN

Unique ID: DEV-0A5CF4

Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow status: Awaiting validation

Notes:

Coins with a double bend are sometimes referred to as 'love tokens' but are more correctly regarded as charms or pledges. They are not uncommon finds but their significance is not understood. According to Dr Kevin Leahy such 'Love tokens' were made using coins dating from the time of Elizabeth I (1558-1603) to the reign of Ann (1702-1714) with some Georgian examples. They were particularly common in the reign of William III (1694-1702). While 'love tokens' should be inscribed with the name of the person loved most of these defaced coins are uninscribed. Bending coins as part of an oath is an ancient practice; Manville (2014) says of such bent coins: “A twice bent coin might be carried in the pocket or wallet as a protection against the ‘evil eye’ or other witchcraft, hence the crooked sixpence of the children’s rhyme. Other so-called lucky pocket pieces might be bent to distinguish them from normal coins and prevent inadvertent spending." 

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder

Chronology

Broad period: POST MEDIEVAL
Period from: POST MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1696
Date to: Circa AD 1702

Dimensions and weight

Quantity: 1
Thickness: 0.7 mm
Weight: 1.98 g
Diameter: 19.4 mm

Discovery dates

Date(s) of discovery: Friday 19th June 2020

Personal details

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Other reference numbers

Other reference: SCC Receipt 018893

Materials and construction

Primary material: Silver
Manufacture method: Struck or hammered
Completeness: Complete

Coin data (numismatics)

Denomination: Sixpence
Ruler/issuer: William III of England
Mint or issue place: London
Category: Modern
Type: Sixpence: William III (S 3520 - 3548)
Obverse description: Crowned bust facing left
Obverse inscription: Illegible
Reverse description: Four shields
Reverse inscription: [...]MAG[...]
Degree of wear: Extremely worn: poor